DLNR NEWS RELEASE: New on-line system streamlines process for Kaena Point access permits

(HONOLULU) – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks has set up a new on-line format to issue free annual permits for anyone wanting to drive a vehicle into the Mokuleia section of Kaena Point State Park Reserve on Oahu’s north shore. Today the DLNR Division of State Parks released a 2 ½-minute-long video that walks interested people through the new application process. It can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/148168047

“State Parks has worked with the state Office of Enterprise Technology Services and the Hawaii Information Consortium to roll out this new on-line application system via the Hawaii State Parks website. This vastly streamlines government process and makes getting access more user-friendly,” said DLNR Division of State Parks Administrator Curt Cottrell.

The permits, are valid 24-hours a day, 365-days a year (unless the park is closed for weather or emergency reasons), and allow drivers to transit designated roads, in a safe manner, behind a locked gate at the end of the paved road in the park.

The online vehicle access permit system is the latest step in a management process that from the start has involved close collaboration and outreach with community users, and an action plan that began with voluntary compliance, installing signs designating the upper road, delineating shoreline access roads in the state park and installing a locked gate.

Thanks to grant funds provided by the Hawaii Community Foundation and the commitment of the DLNR, an effective and efficient solution was identified and implemented to modernize the process while avoiding public user fees. The new systems includes a web-based login capability for public users, back-end administrative tools and database, and the ability to disseminate weekly gate lock combinations via web services.

Only valid permit holders will be provided with the combination to the gate lock weekly. The Kaena Point Gate combination will change each Wednesday between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. to control entry into the vehicle access control portion of the park.

State Parks is holding “permit parties” this week to distribute actual permits and vehicle stickers to those who have already completed the application process online. Information will also be available on how to use the new online system.

KAENA POINT PERMIT PARTIES SCHEDULE

Downtown-

Dec. 9, 2015, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Kalanimoku Building, 1151 Punchbowl Street, BLNR Board Room

North Shore-

Dec. 12, 2015 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Waialua Elementary School Cafeteria

Central Oahu-Wahiawa District Park (Hale Hookipa Meeting Room)

Dec. 12, 2015 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The DLNR Division of State Parks organized a community site visit on November 7th to the controlled vehicle access portion of Kaena Point to allow park users to provide input on road designations, permit system operations and challenges and to gather information for possible future improvements to the process and restoration of the area.